Lampard on Chelsea trio’s futures, Kante’s role, Abraham, Hudson-Odoi, Leicester and more
Frank Lampard spoke about a number of issues at a news conference on Friday ahead of this weekend’s match against Leicester. Here’s some of what the Blues boss had to say.
On Tammy Abraham being racially abused on social media
“I am particularly disgusted by a so-called Chelsea fan. I don’t know how it’s allowed on the [social media] platforms. It’s too easy, so something needs to be done.
“I’m so angry for Tammy and angry for us as a club because that’s not what we’re about, the club does a lot of work against discrimination on all levels. It’s a setback when these things happen.
“I have spoken with Tammy, he is a strong character. He’s infectious, he is a great young man and his football career is ahead of him. It will be a test of his character that he shouldn’t need.”
On Willian and Antonio Rudiger’s fitness
“Rudiger is training. Whether he’s match fit is another thing. Willian is probably closer. They are in contention for the weekend.”
On when Callum Hudson-Odoi is likely to return
“Probably next month considering the international break, which is maybe falling at a good time for us.
“It gives us a couple of weeks to really see how he’s getting on with the conditioning training.
“He’s getting closer. He’s trained the last week or two with the Under-23s and he’s looking good.
“The injury looks good, which is the great news. There is going to be a period of conditioning work for him. He’s going to have to be fitter than he’s ever been – because I’m going to want him to run!
“It’s good news for us. It’s slightly gone amiss with the transfer ban and the obsession with young players, but we are missing six players from the squad, including Reece James – big players for the squad. As they are coming back it’s going to make us stronger.”
On the future of Michy Batshuayi
“The future is Michy is here as one of our strikers. We have three strikers this year and there will be opportunities for him.
“With Michy it’s important that he trains at a top, top level every day, gets himself absolutely fit to play the way I want my strikers to play, which will be constant movement – on and off the ball – and obviously to try and score goals.
“He’s very much our player and competing with Tammy and Ollie for that space.”
On whether Davide Zappacosta and Tiemoue Bayakoko might leave
“That’s not clear yet. Zappacosta is our player and Reece is probably out for three more weeks. So that’s a decision that will be made as we go on.
“I’ve been really impressed with Zappa’s attitude, quality and how he’s trained.
“We have to make sure we’re happy with the squad by the time the European window shuts. That will be a decision for us and of course Zappa, because I want players happy.
“The professionalism he has shown since he’s been here has been great and that can be an ongoing conversation.
“It’s similar with both players (Zappacosta and Bakayoko). They obviously haven’t started the season for us. Both of them have shown really good application and not been a problem.
“The decision will be what’s best for the club and for them individually as well.”
On Brendan Rodgers and Leicester
“I know Brendan well. He’s a fantastic manager with a good group of players there – a nice mix of some quality young players and experienced players – and they’ll be well coached, so we’re going to have a big challenge.
“I have a really good relationship with Brendan. It was obvious when he was here there he was going to go on to big things.
“He’s clever, can talk all day about the game and is very forward-thinking and good with players. I’ve got huge respect for him and look forward to seeing him.”
On N’Golo Kante’s role
“The idea that N’Golo wins the ball as well as anyone in world football doesn’t mean he has to sit in front of the back four and do that.
“He has too much in his game to do that. He can drive forward with the ball, leave midfield areas and win the ball back high up the pitch, so that’s what I want to give him the freedom to do.
“The important thing for me and all my midfield is that we have a flexibility and no one is pinned down to an absolute structure.
“We saw elements of that against Liverpool where players have a freedom to use their attributes.”
On how he will feel taking charge of his first home game
“Pride. I’m proud to manage this club. I’ve been back to Stamford Bridge a couple of times since I left there as a player and was lucky enough to have really good support and I obviously don’t forget the times I had here as a player.
“It’s going to be an emotional, special day for me. But that’s just for me. The most important thing for us is that we win.”
